February 2025 at Jazz Attack

Hey Philly! Looking for great live jazz music or just a fun Thursday night out? You're in the right place! We offer three levels of Lindy Hop & Swing Dance lessons followed by a social dance party to the city's best swing DJs, plus a live band on 1/16! If you aren't sure which class to sign up for, visit our classes page. When you love Lindy Hop & Jazz, every month is Black History Month, but we'll be going the extra mile here in February.

All Thursday night swing dance events are held at the Philadelphia Ethical Society (1906 Rittenhouse Square)

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February 6th: Benny Golson Tribute Night, 4-Week Classics Series Start

8-9pm: 

Lindy 101 Lesson: Intro to Lindy Hop & Jazz with Giavanna Townsend & Steven Fox

Drop in any week & learn the basics of Lindy Hop and a few solo jazz moves in this beginner-oriented class. This class will have some overlapping and some new elements every week, and we recommend taking it multiple times before advancing to the topics class.

Classics Series Week 1 with Erin Spicola & Nick Cruickshank

In this 4-week classics series, Erin & Nick will guide you through two generations of Lindy Hop History centered around Whitey's Lindy Hoppers and the Mama Lu Parks Dancers. Students will learn sections of the California routine (a swingout & charleston-filled classic), a fun take on the Shim Sham (a tap turned jazz line dance), and a break down vintage film clip. For week 4, students will join visiting guest Hannah Lane's special presentation. This class series must be purchased in full, and includes consistent teachers & classmates, detailed video recaps, access to our 7:30-8pm practice space, and special discord channel.

Extended Topics Lesson (audition required): Creating Choreography with Lauren Fosnight

With several classic choreography clips from different eras of Lindy Hop in hand, join Lauren in this lesson that explores how to get inspired by Lindy clips and turn them into your own choreography! By the end of this class, students will create their own short showcase.

9-11pm: Social dance with DJ Ben Schenerman's Benny Golson Tribute

Pricing: $10 / $7 for students (Lindy101 included) | +$10 / +$7 students for Ext. Topics Class | Monthly connection series: $75 general / $45 students

February 13th 6:30-11pm: LIVE BAND DOUBLE DANCE -- Red or Black Valentine's Dance ft. the Eyal Vilner Swing Band

We're bringing one of the best swing bands in the world to Philly for their Jazz Attack debut, and we're doubling the fun! Join for the early bird session (6:30-9pm), night owl session (8:30-11pm) or both! To celebrate Valentine's day, WEAR RED if you love the holiday or WEAR BLACK if you think it's all a corporate chocolate-and-card-selling scheme.

2/13 EARLY BIRD SET

6:30-7pm: 

Lindy 101 Lesson: Intro to Lindy Hop & Jazz with Kate Holden & Mike McDermott

Drop in any week & learn the basics of Lindy Hop and a few solo jazz moves in this beginner-oriented class. This class will have some overlapping and some new elements every week, and we recommend taking it multiple times before advancing to the topics class.

7-9pm: LIVE BAND Social dance with LIVE BAND: the Eyal Vilner Swing Band

World-renowned bandleader & SW!NG OUT braintrust member Eyal Vilner makes his Jazz Attack debut with four hours of some of the most swingin' music you'll hear all year. Vilner is revered among Lindy Hoppers for his impeccable arrangements and deep understanding of Lindy Hop & how to make dancers want to MOVE!

2/13 NIGHT OWL SET

8:30-9pm: 

Lindy 101 Lesson: Intro to Lindy Hop & Jazz with Kate Holden & Mike McDermott

Classics Series Series Week 2 with Erin Spicola & Nick Cruickshank

See details under wk 1; you can still join week 2 (and get a recap video from week 1)

9-11pm: LIVE BAND Social dance with LIVE BAND: the Eyal Vilner Swing Band

Price: Both sets (recommended) - $30 ($20 for students) | One set - $20 ($14 for students)

February 20th:

8-9pm: 

Lindy 101 Lesson: Intro to Lindy Hop & Jazz with Alyssa Hernández & Gianfranco Semino

Drop in any week & learn the basics of Lindy Hop and a few solo jazz moves in this beginner-oriented class. This class will have some overlapping and some new elements every week, and we recommend taking it multiple times before advancing to the topics class.

Classics Series Series Week 3 with Erin Spicola & Nick Cruickshank

See details under wk 1; series are not drop-in friendly, so please join at the top of the month!

Extended Topics Lesson (audition required): Competition in History & Practice with Special Guest Nii Attoh Okine

We're so excited to welcome Baltimore's Nii Attoh Okine to guide dancers through the importance of competition in Lindy Hop history & practice. From the Savoy Ballroom, to Madison Square Garden, to the international stage, come learn about and experience this important slice of Lindy Hop culture that is much more about building community and developing artistry than an every-dancer-for-themselves ascent to the top.

9-11pm: Social dance with DJ Gavin Laur's Erskine Hawkins Tribute

Pricing: $10 / $7 for students (Lindy101 included) | +$10 / +$7 students for Ext. Topics Class

February 27th:

8-9pm: 

Lindy 101 Lesson: Intro to Lindy Hop & Jazz with Zak Kneeland & Mike McDermott

Drop in any week & learn the basics of Lindy Hop and a few solo jazz moves in this beginner-oriented class. This class will have some overlapping and some new elements every week, and we recommend taking it multiple times before advancing to the topics class.

Bonus Class - FREE & open to all: Mid-Atlantic Lindy Hop & Jazz History with Special Guest Hannah Lane

We're so excited to welcome Baltimore's Hannah Lane to share some of her original research on Lindy Hop & Jazz history in our city of Philadelphia, as well as Baltimore, DC, and NYC. Hannah's classes are guaranteed to enrich your experience of this art form.

9-11pm: Social dance with DJ Steve Fox's Black Bandleading Excellence Tribute

Pricing: $10 / $7 for students (Lindy101 included) | +$10 / +$7 students for Ext. Topics Class

Upcoming Live Band Nights & Special Events:

Jazz Attack DJing Workshop - Saturday March 1st

Jazz Town Lindy Hop Weekend - May 1-4

Dancing is a great way to meet new people, strengthen your brain, get some exercise, and just let out any of the week's stressors. Don't forget to invite a friend, or come ready to make some new ones. Get Jazz Attack tickets by clicking the button below:

Get Tickets

Mailing List

Get ready to tuck turn and swing out on some of the finest dance floors in Philadelphia.

Lindy Hop and jazz have a have a culturally rich history dating back over 100 years. Born of the artistry and innovation of Black dancers and musicians, and passed down orally and physically through generations, we take great care in sharing this art form in a way that is true to these sounds, styles, and values while encouraging the innovation that is hallmark of all Black social dances. To learn more, visit our history and culture page.

Have any questions? Check out our FAQ page!

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @jazzattackswings

Facebook: Jazz Attack page and group

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Jazz Greats: Erskine Hawkins

Erskine Hawkins (1914-1993), nicknamed the “20th Century Gabriel” for his high-notes and elaborate solos, was a trumpeter and bandleader during the swing era of the 30’s and 40’s. Although lesser known than other bandleaders of the time, Hawkins led a formidable group of musicians who wrote and arranged several hits, including “Tuxedo Junction,” and performed as the Savoy Ballroom house band for several years. 

Erskine Hawkins (second from left) and His Orchestra at the Savoy Ballroom, late 1930s - early 1940s

Born on July 26, 1914 in Birmingham, Alabama, to Cary and Edward Hawkins, Erskine was one of five siblings. After his father died in World War I, the family moved across the street from a school called the Tuggle Institute, where Hawkins excelled at music and athletics. He first took up drums at age 7, then learned trombone a few years later, and began playing trumpet when he was 13. At Industrial High School, he studied with the influential music educator J. T. “Fess” Whatley. Many of his other students would go on to play in bands led by Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong. 

At age 16, Hawkins attended Alabama State Teachers College, where he played with the school band, the ‘Bama State Collegians. He soon became the band’s leader and, in 1934, took them on a tour of the Northeast, including performances in New York City at the Savoy Ballroom. The band succeeded professionally and generated a loyal following during this tour, eventually splitting from the college and renaming themselves “the Erskine Hawkins Orchestra.” 

Promotional Photo of Erskine Hawkins after moving from Alabama to Harlem in 1934

From their recording debut in 1936 through 1953, the band performed frequently and scored three major hit songs, “Tuxedo Junction,” “After Hours,”  and “Tippin’ In.” At the heart of the band were its five core members: Erskine Hawkins and Dud Bascomb on trumpet, Paul Bascomb and Julian Dash on tenor sax, and Haywood Henry on baritone sax. A notable side-man in the orchestra was pianist Avery Parrish, who featured on the band’s 1940 recording of “After Hours.” 

During the late 30’s, the Erskine Hawkins Orchestra found steady work in Harlem, particularly at the Savoy Ballroom, where they alternated with the Chick Webb Orchestra to provide live music all night long. Eventually the Hawkins Orchestra took over as the house band, and occasionally participated in “battles of the bands” with the likes of Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton, and Glenn Miller. The Hawkins Orchestra’s medium-fast tempos and hard swinging style made them consistent favorites with dancers for many years.  

Erskine Hawkins signed photograph -- NYPL Digital Collections

In 1953, as swing gave way in general popularity to rhythm & blues and bebop, Hawkins led a smaller jazz combo and recorded scarcely. He recorded a reunion album with members of his past orchestra in 1971, and was one of five inaugural inductees into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. Hawkins passed away at the age of 79 on November 11, 1993 in Willingboro, New Jersey.

Erskine Hawkins (left) and his Orchestra

In 2024, Erskine Hawkins was the featured artist of the Lindy Focus Heritage Sounds Transcription Project, a yearly endeavor to revive the music of the original swing bandleaders. Through the work of musicians including Laura Windley, Jonathan Stout, and Michael Gamble, dancers got to enjoy three full sets of original Erskine Hawkins charts, performed by many of the world’s best living swing musicians. You can listen to the entire world premiere set from Lindy Focus here!

Come and enjoy Erskine Hawkins tribute night at Jazz Attack with DJ Gavin, or listen to some of his classic tunes on YouTube or your music streaming platform of choice.

To learn more about other notable jazz musicians, visit our blog. And don't forget to check out our History & Culture page for an informative background on Lindy Hop & Jazz history.

Sources:

https://syncopatedtimes.com/erskine-hawkins-profiles-in-jazz/

https://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/erskine-hawkins/

https://www.alamhof.org/erskinehawkins

January 2025 at Jazz Attack

Hey Philly! Did you make a New Year's resolution to learn to swing dance? Looking for great live jazz music or just a fun Thursday night out in January? You're in the right place! We offer three levels of Lindy Hop & Swing Dance lessons followed by a social dance party to the city's best swing DJs, plus a live band on 1/16! If you aren't sure which class to sign up for, visit our classes page.

All Thursday night swing dance events are held at the Philadelphia Ethical Society (1906 Rittenhouse Square)

Get Tickets

Mailing List

January 9th: DJ Night, 4-Week Connection Series Start

8-9pm: 

Lindy 101 Lesson: Intro to Lindy Hop & Jazz with Lisa Pilchman & Mike McDermott

Drop in any week & learn the basics of Lindy Hop and a few solo jazz moves in this beginner-oriented class. This class will have some overlapping and some new elements every week, and we recommend taking it multiple times before advancing to the topics class.

Connection Series Week 1 with Brennan & Alex DeVoe

In this 4-week connection series, Alex and Brennan will explore how to strengthen your partnerships with your fellow dancers and the music. Through active listening, shared movement, and techniques such as proper use of tension and compression, they'll help you create moments of true connection on the dance floor. These classes will offer valuable tools to enhance collaboration in your dance experience. This class series must be purchased in full, and includes consistent teachers & classmates, detailed video recaps, access to our 7:30-8pm practice space, and special discord channel.

Extended Topics Lesson (audition required): Classic Move Variations with Lauren Fosnight & Matt Rapp

Join Matt and Lauren as they help you spice up your Lindy Hop with creative variations on classic moves! They'll explore ways to add flair to your dancing by changing timing, direction, momentum, and more!

9-11pm: Social dance with DJ Akshay Madhukar

Pricing: $10 / $7 for students (Lindy101 included) | +$10 / +$7 students for Ext. Topics Class | Monthly connection series: $75 general / $45 students

January 16th: LIVE BAND -- Jazz Attack Annual Formal ft. LIVE MUSIC from Scott Silbert

Folks, this is the one time of year when we go all out on outfits. Come dressed to the nines in your formal favorites -- whatever makes you feel fabulous. We'll have photographers on hand and a live band for this incredible experience. Tickets often sell out in advance!

8-9pm: 

Lindy 101 Lesson: Intro to Lindy Hop & Jazz with Gracie Zhang & Ericka Skirpan Drop in any week & learn the basics of Lindy Hop and a few solo jazz moves in this beginner-oriented class. This class will have some overlapping and some new elements every week, and we recommend taking it multiple times before advancing to the topics class.

Connection Series Series Week 2 with Brennan & Alex DeVoe

See details under wk 1; you can still join week 2 (and get a recap video from week 1), but you'll have some catching up to do, and should plan to show up at 7:30pm to practice.

Balboa Class (open to all!): Band Nights mean Balboa with Sarah Sasso & Zak Kneeland

Balboa, one of Lindy's sister styles, is great for conserving energy on faster tunes and in tight spaces, and it's just fun in its own right. Come learn some Bal-Swing!

9-11pm: LIVE BAND Social dance with LIVE BAND: Scott Silbert Jazz Band

The legendary multi-woodwind instrumentalist and bandleader Scott Silbert is currently active with the prestigious Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, and as big band leader at DCLX. Silbert's sounds are known to keep the largest dancefloors in the US packed and swingin' out all night long!

Price: $15 ($10 for students) | +$5 / +$3 students for Balboa Topics Class

January 23rd:

8-9pm: 

Lindy 101 Lesson: Intro to Lindy Hop & Jazz with Kate Holden & Hank Goldenberg

Drop in any week & learn the basics of Lindy Hop and a few solo jazz moves in this beginner-oriented class. This class will have some overlapping and some new elements every week, and we recommend taking it multiple times before advancing to the topics class.

Connection Series Series Week 3 with Brennan & Alex DeVoe

See details under wk 1; series are not drop-in friendly, so please join at the top of the month!

Extended Topics Lesson (audition required): Tandem Charleston with Alyssa Hernández & Nick Cruickshank

Join Alyssa & Nick as they dive into their favorite tandem charleston sylings & variaitons. From vintage favorites to modern mischief, there's so much more to this step than you realize!

9-11pm: Social dance with DJ Nick Cruickshank

Pricing: $10 / $7 for students (Lindy101 included) | +$10 / +$7 students for Ext. Topics Class

January 30th:

8-9pm: 

Lindy 101 Lesson: Intro to Lindy Hop & Jazz with Max VerNooy & Gavin Laur

Drop in any week & learn the basics of Lindy Hop and a few solo jazz moves in this beginner-oriented class. This class will have some overlapping and some new elements every week, and we recommend taking it multiple times before advancing to the topics class.

Connection Series Series Week 4 with Brennan & Alex DeVoe

See details under wk 1; series are not drop-in friendly, so please join at the top of the month!

Extended Topics Lesson (audition required): The Nuance of Connection with Nelle Chery & Morgan Lee

Join Nelle and Morgan as they take you on an exploration of connection. From macro, to micro, and everything in between!

9-11pm: Social dance with DJ Brennan DeVoe

Pricing: $10 / $7 for students (Lindy101 included) | +$10 / +$7 students for Ext. Topics Class

Upcoming Live Band Nights & Special Events:

Jazz Attack Annual Formal - Jan 16th ft. Live Music from Scott Silbert

Dancing is a great way to meet new people, strengthen your brain, get some exercise, and just let out any of the week's stressors. Don't forget to invite a friend, or come ready to make some new ones. Get Jazz Attack tickets by clicking the button below:

Get Tickets

Mailing List

Get ready to tuck turn and swing out on some of the finest dance floors in Philadelphia.

Lindy Hop and jazz have a have a culturally rich history dating back over 100 years. Born of the artistry and innovation of Black dancers and musicians, and passed down orally and physically through generations, we take great care in sharing this art form in a way that is true to these sounds, styles, and values while encouraging the innovation that is hallmark of all Black social dances. To learn more, visit our history and culture page.

Have any questions? Check out our FAQ page!

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @jazzattackswings

Facebook: Jazz Attack page and group

00bfca e7bb00